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Nutmeg Herb - Uses And Side Effects

Nutmeg is also known as Myristica fragrans. Nutmeg, the dried seed kernel of the nutmeg tree, Myristica fragrans, is best known as a spice for foods and drinks and as a fragrance in cosmetics and soaps. Nutmeg trees grow in Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and the Molucca Islands.

Another spice (mace) is produced from the aril, a netlike substance inside the nutmeg fruit. The aril wraps around the brittle shells containing the nutmeg kernel.

Nutmeg is a bushy, evergreen and aromatic tree with oblong leaves and pale yellow flowers, followed by round fleshy fruits, containing a brown seed. Nutmeg is a spicy bitter, astringent, and warming herb that is a digestive tonic. It helps to control vomiting and relaxes spasms. Its topical application has anti-inflammatory effects.

It contains a large amount of essential oil, which contains sabinene, a and b-pinene, myristicine, phenylpropanoids, elemicin, eugenol, isoeugenol, methyleugenol and safrol, while the seeds also contain a fatty oil, as well as lignans and neolignans.

Common doses of Nutmeg

Nutmeg comes as:

• capsules (200 milligrams)
• powders
• essential oil.

Some experts recommend the following doses (some of which are in the hazardous range):

• For nausea or gastric upset, 1 to 2 capsules of nutmeg "kernel" taken orally as a single dose, or 3 to 5 drops of essential oil on a sugar lump or in a teaspoon of honey.
• For chronic diarrhea, 4 to 6 tablespoons of powder taken orally daily.
• For toothache, rub 1 to 2 drops of essential oil on the gum around the aching tooth until you can get to the dentist.

Uses of Nutmeg herb

Regarding its health benefits, nutmeg is believed to aid digestion and relieve nausea and the sensation of vomiting. Nutmeg oil is used a component in aftershave and scents for men, where it lends its characteristically spicy scent. Specifically, nutmeg may help to:

• Anxiety
• As an aphrodisiac
• Bad breath
• Chronic nervous disorders
• Depression
• Digestive tract disorders
• Indigestion and other stomach problems
• Kidney disorders
• Rheumatism pain
• Toothache
• To stop vomiting

Making herbal tea

The standard way to make an infusion, unless otherwise specified, is to pour a cup of boiling water over the material to be infused, let it stand for 5 minutes, strain it, and drink it.

Side effects of Nutmeg

Call your health care practitioner if you experience unusual symptoms when using nutmeg. Excessive doses may cause:

• an unusual sense of well-being
• delusions
• hallucinations

Consuming nutmeg oil or using doses over 5 grams can cause:

• confusion
• nausea
• constipation
• rapid pulse
• dry mouth
• stupor
• flushing
• vomiting

This herb also can cause miscarriage, seizures, and even death.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Consult your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you're taking, especially drugs to stop diarrhea. Don't use nutmeg when taking:

• Clozaril
• Navane
• Haldol
• Zyprexa.

Important paints to remember

• Don't use nutmeg if you're pregnant or breast-feeding, if you suspect you're pregnant, or if you're planning a pregnancy. The herb may cause miscarriage.
• If you're being treated for a psychiatric condition, check with your health care practitioner before using nutmeg. It may trigger symptoms of your condition.
• Know that some people abuse or misuse nutmeg.
• If you use nutmeg, avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you know how the herb affects you.
• Don't take large amounts of nutmeg because it may be toxic.
• Keep nutmeg products out of reach of children and pets.
• For treating diarrhea, be aware that medical experts recommend less toxic agents, such as bulk laxatives, milk of magnesia, or casanthranol with docusate sodium.

What the research shows

Nutmeg has interesting properties, but the risks of toxicity, abuse, and misuse limit its therapeutic use. People have died from eating excessive amounts of nutmeg. With less toxic drugs available for treating diarrhea, medical experts don't recommend nutmeg for that complaint or any other.

Other names for Nutmeg

Other names for nutmeg include mace, macis, muscadier, muskatbaum, myristica, noz moscada, nuez moscada, and nux moschata.

Products containing nutmeg are sold under such names as Agua del Carmen, Aluminum Free Indigestion, Incontinurina, Klosterfrau Magentonikum, Melisana, Nervospur, and Vicks Vaporub.